Actions pertaining to the 2017 Collaborative Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation grant program, herein referred to as the BWC grant
1. Authorize the Chief of Police to accept $172,500 in grant funding for the BWC grant awarded to the Fresno Police Department from the U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
2. Authorize the Chief of Police to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Clovis as identified in the 2017 Collaborative Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation grant agreement for $45,000 of pass-through funding
3. ***RESOLUTION - 49th amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2017-165 appropriating $172,500 for the Police Department's Body-Worn Camera grant (Requires 5 affirmative votes) (Subject to Mayor's veto).

Actions pertaining to the 2017 Collaborative Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation grant program, herein referred to as the BWC grant

1.Authorize the Chief of Police to accept $172,500 in grant funding for the BWC grant awarded to the Fresno Police Department from the U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

2.Authorize the Chief of Police to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Clovis as identified in the 2017 Collaborative Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation grant agreement for $45,000 of pass-through funding

Staff recommends that Council authorize acceptance of $172,500 in grant funding from theU.S. Department of Justice, through the Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance, allowing the Chief of Police to enter into and execute the agreement and all required documents; authorize the Chief of Police to enter into a Memorandum of Understand with the City of Clovis; and adopt the 49th Amendment to AAR No 2017-165to appropriate $172,500 funding into the FY 2018 budget. The remaining funds will be include in FY 2019. Funds have been awarded for the 2017 Collaborative Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation grantto the Fresno Police Department’s Body-Worn Camera Unit within the Internal Affairs Bureau.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The City of Fresno has been awarded grant funds of $172,500 from the U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance to augment the current number of body-worn cameras within the Fresno Police Department. The grant period is from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2019.

Over the past three years, the Fresno Police Department has used TASER AXON Flex Body Cameras for video along with Evidence.com for encrypted video storage. This system has proven to be reliable and easy to use. Officers, detectives, and local Deputy District Attorneys have been trained in the use of the system.

The department currently has over 400 body cameras deployed in the field. Although this is very good coverage, the department does not currently own enough body cameras to equip every uniformed officer in the field. A goal of accepting this grant is to close the gap and provide cameras to uniformed officers currently in the field who do not have one.

To date, body cameras have proven to be extremely valuable in the gathering of evidence and prosecution of criminal cases. They have additionally become part of the complaint process, and have been an asset in clarifying issues related to officer complaints. Motor units often capture the motorist’s violation directly on camera, greatly reducing court time. Deputy District Attorneys have stated they are reaching plea agreements and often shortening court time when body camera video is associated with the case. The grant funds will be used to purchase body cameras for uniformed officers who do not currently have a camera.

BACKGROUND

Video technology is being utilized by law enforcement agencies at an increasing pace. The Fresno Police Department has remained progressive in its response to this need. Personal body-worn cameras were introduced as a more realistic tool to help capture the “point of view” of the officer. In an era of increased public scrutiny and litigation, body-worn camera systems provide video evidence to capture critical incidents in a manner much closer to the officer’s perspective. Video gathered has proven to be invaluable during criminal investigation as well as investigations of complaints against police officers.

This grant also addresses the aging number of Tasers the department currently owns. As part of the current contract with Taser AXON, Tasers will be included in the purchase of a matching number of body-worn cameras.

ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS

This is not a “project” for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.

LOCAL PREFERENCE

Local preference was not considered because accepting grant funds does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.

FISCAL IMPACT

There will be a net impact to the general fund due to the mandatory match requirement. The grant provides up to $1,500 per body-worn camera for a total of 85 cameras ($127,500). All other costs associated with the body-worn camera, accessories, storage and mandatory grant related training, totaling $143,256, will be covered by appropriations within the FY 2018 General Fund budget. The body-worn cameras will be acquired through a 5 year lease-purchase contract with Taser AXON and is outlined below by funding source.

FY 2018

FY 2019

FY 2020

FY 2021

FY 2022

Total

Grant Funding

127,500

0

0

0

0

127,500

General Fund

143,256

109,033

109,033

109,033

109,033

579,388

$45,000 of the total grant ($172,500) will be passed-through to the City of Clovis for their Body-Worn Camera program. Expenses will be claimed and reimbursed on a quarterly basis. This funding will enable the Fresno Police Department to complete deployment of body-worn cameras to all uniformed officers in Patrol, Traffic Unit, Canine Unit, Recycling Task Force, Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, Student Neighborhood Resource Officers, Student Resource Officers, Adult Compliance Team and Fresno Area Express Officers, totaling 511cameras.